Joliet Murder Of 13-Year-Old Boy Solved, But Name Isn't Being Revealed

JOLIET, IL —In less than 48 hours, Joliet police have solved the alley murder of 13-year-old Manuel Mejia Perez, who was gunned down on Monday afternoon on Joliet's southeast side. Joliet police announced that a 15-year-old juvenile boy has been arrested and charged with three counts of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon.

During an extensive investigation into the murder of a 13-year-old boy in the 300 block of Desplaines Street which occurred on June 2, Joliet Police Detectives identified a 15-year-old as a suspect, the agency announced Wednesday.

Detectives determined the victim and the 15-year-old arrestee were known to one another and had been involved in an ongoing personal dispute. Evidence indicates that the arrestee shot the victim twice during the confrontation, Joliet police advised.

The boy was taken into custody on Tuesday, in the 600 block of Benton Street for aggravated battery, mob action and disorderly conduct resulting from an incident on May 6.

Following questioning of the juvenile about the homicide, the Will County State’s Attorney Office approved the first-degree murder criminal charges. The juvenile arrestee was processed at the Joliet Police Department and transferred to the River Valley Justice Center.

“This heartbreaking loss has deeply affected our city, and our hearts are with the family and friends of the young victim. There are no words that can ease the pain of losing a child, but I want the victim’s loved ones to know that they have the full support of the Joliet Police Department during this incredibly painful time," Police Chief Bill Evans said in a statement.